Dear Readers:

I'm pretty sure last year's New Year's resolution was to get a New Year's resolution column in on time. So that one's out, but there is still time for me, and, more important, you, to do a sex-and-love-life audit and figure out what's wanting and what you could do about it in the coming year. Here are some ideas.

1) No faking it. Have you been faking it? Quit that. If it's going on and on and you know it's heading nowhere, say that. Conversely, if it's a nice relationship and generally good sex but just not going to go that way for you this particular time, just offer to get partner off and it's your turn next time. No harm done, and no faking.

2) Try something new. Obvious, I know, but honestly, do this. I'm not going to tell you what the "this" ought to be. But just because you haven't noticed the rut, doesn't mean you're not in one. Maybe it's just so deep you can't see the way out. Or maybe things could be even better.

3) Read up on other stuff. You don't have to try the new stuff, just find out about it. But maybe if you investigate X thing, you'll be inspired to try it. Maybe knowing some new weird stuff will just make you fun to talk to at parties.

4) Buy something new. Sex toy stores like Good Vibrations, Blowfish, and Babeland make it easy and not even embarrassing. If you've been there, done that and yawn, maybe you could go to Etsy or one of the other handicrafts marketplaces and find something a little different, like the tentacle dildos. Or if you're already over one-of-a-kind handmade blah blah, make your own!

5) Rummage. Find something that makes you feel irresistible and/or invincible. The usual suggestion is fancy lingerie but if you're not the girly type (none of this requires you to be an actual girl) maybe it's boots or a corset. Actually, those are mine, find your own.

6) Do something nice to (not just in) your bedroom. Clean it, declutter it, maybe paint it. Buy it new sheets. Cracker crumbs and a dirty ashtray do not a sensual oasis make,

7)Stop waiting for people to notice you and ask someone. You can do it. Hide behind technology if you like, but do it.

8) (Big One) Figure out what you want. Read around, look at porn, read the nice catalogs, pay attention to what crosses your mind just before you decide you're in the mood, or while you're doing it. Reflect on episodes that really worked for you. Don't just do what you've been doing or what you think you ought to be doing, put some serious work into figuring out what you want to be doing.

9) Tell your partner. And this brings us back to 1), don't fake it.

Happy New Year.

Love,

Andrea

Gor a question? Email Andrea at andrea@mail.altsexcolumn.com